10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life In 2020

When pursuing a job in the Marine Corps, many new recruits make the mistake of choosing an MOS based on the job description, rather than future job opportunities.

Others mistakenly choose from the most common Marine careers, without even considering the possibility of civilian life after leaving the Marines.

With that said, it’s a good idea to try and choose an MOS based both on your own personal interests, as well as future civilian career opportunities. It may not always be your choice as the Marine Corps will fill roles as they see fit and where the need is, but you’ll have an opportunity to list your preferences.

8. Marine Cybersecurity Technician (MOS 0688)

Just like any other government or private institution, many military communications and operations rely on computer systems and software.

Due to the high level of sensitivity of the transmitted material, it’s a must to ensure that these systems are always secure.

Cybersecurity Technicians ensure that computer systems remain secure, are well maintained, and are safe from potential threats and data theft.

An individual could use the skills learned while serving as a Cybersecurity Technician (MOS 0688) to become an Information Security Analyst after service for an organization or a company.

An Information Security Analyst job role entails the same duties and tasks as the Cybersecurity Technician (MOS 0688), and since most private companies also want to secure their information, this is an excellent career path for any Marine.

To become an Information Security Analyst, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, which may require you to return to school, with experience in related occupations or career fields. There are programs within the Marine Corps where you can complete your degree while simultaneously serving in the military.

Another option would be to take advantage of the GI Bill to cover the expense of college as long as you have successfully completed an enlistment of 4 years.

7. Avionics Maintenance Chief (MOS 6391)

Avionics Maintenance Chiefs are non-commissioned officers who are in charge of the avionics division.

They supervise repair and maintenance of aircraft avionics systems, components, and equipment at the IMA/OMA levels.

Due to the increase in the number of problems faced by major U.S. airlines, industry experts suggest that aviation jobs are in high demand because flight equipment is becoming more prominent, faster, with more complicated tech.

In the civilian world, Crypto Practitioners are involved in building additional mechanisms and products that are more secure using cryptology methods.

A Marine crypto practitioner role is not just focused on safeguarding information and securing it.

It focuses more on keeping up with the technological advancements and creatively using these advancements to safeguard an institution’s asset.

Crypto Analysts have a role of researching and inventing new mathematical models, concepts, and methodologies, these practitioners then use their findings to come up with secured mechanisms and products.

Although its somehow challenging to predict a specific career path for crypto practitioners, developing a career in digital forensics after retiring from the marine is advisable.

This is because this field requires a strong need and usage of crypto professionals.

4. Cyberspace Operations Chief (MOS 1799)

A Cyberspace Operations Chief (MOS 1799) is a senior Non-Commissioned Officer that assists the Cyberspace Officer.

This position requires an individual with an overall knowledge of the effects, capabilities, systems, assets, and platforms needed to run cyberspace operations.

They do this by providing in-depth knowledge during the Joint Operational Planning Process.

A Cyberspace Operations Chief (MOS 1799) is responsible for developing or assisting in the development of detailed orders and plans that support strategic and operational requirements in the military environments.

He/she also supervises and manages defensive and offensive cyberspace operations.

With the high demand for technology-related jobs, there’s a shortage of skilled talent in this field.

As a former Cyberspace Operations Chief, you can use your skills to land any cybersecurity and related jobs.

Since the roles in this job description are very sensitive; employers look for candidates with specific attributes.

These include attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to follow procedures to the latter – qualities that each serviceman possesses.

The rapid technological growth also means that you can advance faster in any cybersecurity-related industry.

They also advise and make recommendations to the Supply Chain Officer on all supply matters.

This military career skill is also very significant in the civilian world as well.

In the civilian world, you can work as a manager in a field where commerce is expanding rapidly; this can prove to be very fruitful, especially with your background.

You can get supply chain jobs by networking with your fellow ex-military supply chain professionals, who will help you, grasp and understand the civilian sector supply chain language and connect you with potential hiring managers.

Apart from being the face of any organization, these people ensure that there’s a smooth flow of information in the company.

Former servicemen are often valued in these roles because they have the required skills: strong interpretation of messages, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to effectively implement procedures that provide solutions.

To qualify, you will need a high school diploma with some basic computing skills.

Conclusion

The attributes and skills gained from military service are valued by many high-demand jobs today.

From security to logistics, various careers are well suited for service members who are transitioning from duty to the private sector.

Switching from military to civilian life comes with lots of challenges, but if you can get out there and showcase your skills or resumes and interviews and brand yourself properly, it will make the transition process easier.

The good thing is that more companies are looking for former servicemen and women. When joining the military you should try and choose the best Marine Corps MOS to ensure that you’re among the most sought-after candidates for some of the industry’s most in-demand jobs.

Landing a job using military skills and experience isn’t that hard in the civilian world, as long as you know how to find the best way to demonstrate to your employers how your military knowledge, skills, and experience translates to their daily activities.

Jeff served with the Marine Corps Reserves as an Infantryman with Kilo Co. 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines from 1997 to 2003. 3/23 was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and served primarily in the Wasit Province of Iraq. Since exiting, Jeff has served as a non-profit manager in the area of foster care and adoption.

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2 Replies to “10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life In 2020”

Son in Marine intelligence, he is thinking of extending enlistment 5 years to train in cyber security. In your description of these areas you mention a 4-year degree at same starting salary for veteran getting job after service in cyber security but do not mention 4-year degree for first MOS (Intelligence). Was this an omission? For cyber security you say nothing about a security clearance. I suspect that cyber security requires a security clearance in the Marines. Please advise regarding these two item.

Hey Richard, I think you’re misunderstanding the purpose of the article. The college degrees are required for when you enter the civilian fields (IE an Information Security Analyst at a civilian firm), not the Marines itself. Getting into Cyber Security or Intelligence would definitely require a security clearance, but that’s for the Marines.